A few days ago, oracle has updated the java runtimes to 7u51. Starting with this update, self-signed webstart applications are completely blocked in the default security settings. If this is the case for you, you'll see this screen (for the custom clients, for the vanilla client the name and location will differ):

Sadly, oracle decided to screw up independent and low-budget (or non-profit) developers with their latest update. To get around this issue, you open the java control panel: javacpl.exe. Make sure to open the right control panel (you'll have a different one for each java installation you have). In the control panel, go to the security tab and lower the security to "medium". (notice how oracle implies they don't have an option for low security? wishful thinking, I say)

Thanks, Kandarim. This has been an issue since u45. I'll sticky this for a while as I'm sure there will be more coming around when they find this update doesn't work any better than the last.

If Oracle would patch security holes instead of just dodging around them....

side note: XP has been outdated since 7, but there's a ton of people out there still running computers that won't run 7 effective due to RAM, processor, or video. Microsoft has announced multiple times they're ending support of XP, but every single time there's been enough customer "encouragement" to get them to drop the date. Support is set to end in March, I believe, and it looks like it is going through this time.

At this point, Java 8 won't support XP when it is released. Just a heads up. No idea if it will be more secure than 7 or not. I believe the Java source is usually available, though, and unless it is fully 64 bit (no 32 bit support), a group could, in theory, act as 3rd party support. If you need to upgrade to 8 and are still running XP, it's something to look for.

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